The Villages News

An autopsy on the toddler strangled in her crib by the family's pet Burmese python revealed that the child died from asphyxiation, authorities said Thursday.

A 2-year-old girl was strangled by a 12-foot Burmese python a few hours ago in this rural community just west of The Villages, according to authorities.

The family's pet 12-foot Burmese python strangled a 2-year-old girl in Sumter County on Wednesday, according to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.

DAVID DONALD Staff Writer It's time to warm up those vocal chords and see if you've got what it takes to become the next American music sensation.

Editor: We recently visited The Villages, a retirement community in Central Florida, which has two central shopping districts, neither of which have parking fees on the downtown streets.

The Sumter County Commission recently held a session on cleaning the Lake Panasoffkee canals.

Published: Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 6:30 a.m. Last Modified: Monday, June 22, 2009 at 11:21 a.m. Face it.

Hits and Misses is a weekly opportunity for the Daily Commercial's editorial board to share with readers its views on activities by local residents and organizations or recent decisions handed down by government.

S ometimes items are not lost. The packaging may have been given a makeover or a face lift.

Dear Heloise: I, too, had problems with nonresponses to gifts sent by mail. When the post office started offering delivery-confirmation receipts, I started using them.

From music to meteorology to molars - you might say that characterizes the storied career of John Rogerson, a retired Air Force colonel.

The red carpet unrolls at the Savannah Center on Monday for "Oscar night" -- complete with limousine-borne "celebrities," a Joan Rivers -like interviewer and two tall Oscar statues.

After one commissioner expressed doubt about her votes, the Sarasota County Commission may reconsider amendments to its 2050 Comprehensive Plan in connection with a 5,500-acre project.

Published: Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 6:30 a.m. Last Modified: Monday, June 8, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. For a different perspective of the equine industry - and the horse itself - this region offers several stops to board a carriage.

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch officials are waiting to find out whether they can move forward with their first major residential development in Sarasota County.

Last week, this column featured a "free lunch" issue. The problem is that doctors at Leesburg and The Villages regional medical centers get them.

There's no question that for those with diabetes, life can still be sweet, but it does require special vigilance and care.

The latest installment of Public Policy & Aging Report evaluates current models of creating sustainable lifelong communities for people of all ages.

Don't even ask, Villagers. Of course you want to know how your pocketbook will fare in the latest exchanges in the IRS dispute with the government that runs your community.

Ted Williams has been named the chief executive officer for the Alliance Foundation at Central Florida Health Alliance, which operates the Leesburg Regional Medical Center and The Villages Regional Hospital.